Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão encouraged Catholics to make the pilgrimage to renew their lives and become “beacons of faith and hope for all.”
(13/03/2025 , Gaudium Press) Thousands of faithful embarked on a powerful Catholic pilgrimage Goa, walking from their parishes in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, located on the western coast of India, to the Church of Our Lady of Health in Sancoale. This penitential pilgrimage, which takes place on the first Sunday of Lent, invites Catholics to reflect, pray, and renew their faith during the holy season of Lent.
A Special Theme for the Jubilee Year of Hope
Father Barry Cardozo, the director of the Diocesan Center for Social Media, shared that this year’s pilgrimage was particularly special as it coincided with the Jubilee Year of Hope. The theme for the pilgrimage was “Pilgrims of Hope, Proclaiming the Good News.” Pilgrims were invited to deepen their faith and spread the message of hope that the Good News brings.
A Living Representation of Christ’s Passion
One of the highlights of this year’s Catholic pilgrimage Goa was the live enactment of the Passion of Christ. Young people from various parishes participated in these powerful portrayals, reflecting the suffering Christ endured. This reenactment not only deepened the pilgrims’ connection to Christ but also served as a reminder of His presence in their struggles.
28,000 Pilgrims Walk for Faith and Healing
More than 28,000 men and women joined the pilgrimage, traveling from Neura, Cansaulim, Bambolim, Verna, and Vasco. The distance of 15 kilometers was not an obstacle for the dedicated pilgrims who walked together in a sea of faith and devotion. The journey was an expression of both penance and prayer as they made their way to the sacred church.
Pilgrims Reflect on Faith and Healing
Among the pilgrims was Tany Fernandes, a mother of two, who walked alongside 2,000 others. Despite the physical strain of the 15-kilometer walk, she found strength in the prayers and hymns that filled the air. Tany came to pray for her husband’s healing from kidney disease, highlighting the personal and communal nature of the pilgrimage.
A Day of Repentance and Renewal
Father Fraji Monteiro, who took part in the live enactment, shared that this experience allowed him to feel, to some degree, the pain that Christ bore. The pilgrimage was a day of repentance, purification, and renewal for the heart. It encouraged all participants to engage deeply in reflection and prayer.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão’s Message of Hope
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, led the pilgrims in Mass and offered a message of hope. He reminded the faithful to look to Jesus Christ as a model of perseverance and faith. Despite all trials, Christ remained faithful to His mission of salvation, offering us new life and hope. The Cardinal urged the pilgrims to renew their lives and become “beacons of faith and hope for all.”
A Pillar of Faith in Asia
The Catholic pilgrimage Goa is an important event in the Archdiocese, which has seen growth since its initiation in 2019. Goa, with its rich Catholic heritage, remains a pivotal center for the Catholic faith in Asia. Today, over 500,000 Catholics live in the state of Goa, continuing to contribute to the global Catholic community.
Renewing Faith Through Pilgrimage
The Catholic pilgrimage Goa is not just a walk; it is a profound spiritual experience that deepens one’s faith, offers repentance, and fills the heart with renewed hope. It is a reminder of Christ’s presence in our lives and the importance of living the Good News each day.
Compiled by Donna Smolders
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